The mysterious world of Pakistan cricket

Whatever happened to the ICL players?

Pakistan have announced their T20 World Cup squad. Much of the squad picks itself, a couple are new and unexpected, one at least is a surprise omission (Iftikhar Rao, a regular in Pakistan's squad over the last two years), while at least another is lucky to be included on reputation (Shoaib Akhtar). Indeed, a typical Pakistani selection.

I am surprised and disappointed, however, that no escapees from the ICL have been included. Anybody who saw Imran Nazir's brutal innings in last year's ICL final will wonder how he missed selection? Other players, such as Abdul Razzaq and Mohammad Yousuf, will have hoped for a recall to national duty.

Now you might well argue that none of these ICL ex-cons has a decent case for selection. You might also argue that they chose to line their pockets instead of lining up for their country. Nonetheless, the PCB had an opportunity to resurrect an international career or two, and it missed it. This failure of nerve is especially unwelcome as the PCB has been threatening defiance on behalf of its ICL cricketers, exciting players who might now never return to international cricket.

PS Well done to all you eagle-eyed readers who spotted that Sohail Tanvir is in the squad. Thanks--and what a relief. Well done Mr Qadir.

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